Are you an enthusiastic educator eager to inspire international students while promoting the German language, culture, and higher education system around the globe? If so, the DAAD Lectureship Program might be the perfect next step in your academic journey. With around 400 lecturers currently active worldwide, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is inviting new applicants to apply for its prestigious DAAD Lektor positions for the next cycle.
What is the DAAD Lectureship Program?
The DAAD Lectureship (Lektor) Program enables qualified individuals to teach German Studies, German as a Foreign Language, or related disciplines at foreign universities. As a DAAD Lecturer, you will serve as a cultural and academic ambassador of Germany, contributing to the global visibility of German language, education, and society.
You will:
- Teach and develop courses in your subject area
- Organize cultural and academic events
- Advise students and staff about study opportunities in Germany
- Represent German academic values and contemporary society abroad.
Financial Benefits of DAAD Lectureship Program
While your salary is paid by the foreign university, the DAAD provides additional funding such as:
- Top-up allowances
- Travel support
- Assistance with relocation
- Preparatory seminars and continuous academic support.
Who Can Apply?
The program is looking for motivated, culturally adaptable, and academically outstanding candidates. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- EU nationality
- A master’s degree, diploma, or doctorate with strong academic performance in relevant fields (German Studies, German as a Foreign Language, or foreign language philology)
- University-level teaching experience, preferably in Germany
- Native-level German proficiency and current cultural knowledge of Germany
- Completion of a degree program at a German university
- Residency in Germany for at least the past two years before application (with exceptions for specific programs like Deutschlehren.International)
- Language proficiency in the host country’s language (depending on the position)
- Generally targeted at early-career academics.
How to Apply and What’s the Selection Process?
DAAD typically posts 100+ open lectureships every year—mainly in October. These are available across continents and can include positions from Europe to Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Check the Open Calls: https://www.daad.de/de/im-ausland-studieren-forschen-lehren/lehren-im-ausland/daad-lektorenprogramm/.
- Choose Your Locations: You may apply for up to three positions, ranking them by preference.
- Submit Your Application: Include transcripts, proof of teaching experience, and a motivation letter for each selected location.
- Attend the Interview: Selected applicants will be invited for an interview in Bonn before a committee of university professors and DAAD experts.
- Final Decision: The host university abroad will make the final employment offer. If accepted, DAAD will sign a funding agreement with you.
Important: As a DAAD Lektor, you will not be employed by DAAD itself, but by the university abroad. DAAD will support you with preparation, networking opportunities, and supplemental funding (in addition to your local salary).
When to Prepare?
The main call for applications is expected to open in October 2025 for placements starting in 2026. However, occasional spring vacancies may also be announced. You can sign up in advance to receive updates by emailing [email protected].
